@jimcate: "I sailed three days this weekend on a Beneteau 39, approximately 1988 
model, in winds of around 20-25kts, and I was somewhat surprised that 
the boat seemed to wander about from port to starboard on anything 
approaching a close reach.  It doesn't have a full keel but does have a 
spade rudder, etc.  Has anyone else had experience with the Beneteau's 
of this era, and were you satisfied with it's handling and sailing 
characteristics? We were offshore in some pretty high, breaking waves, 
but I would have thought that the boat would handle them better than it 
did.   Since it is a french boat, we did enjoy some french bread and 
wine with our steaks (after returning to port).
Jim"
    @jimcate: "<quote>
In this case the boat was also pitching back and forth pretty far as we 
went over the crests.  We had all reefs set in the main and the jib 
substantially reefed (clew about half-way between the tack and mast). 
I estimated about 4- 6 feet, but very erratic, with some of the crests 
breaking, and rolling toward us.  It's possible that some of them  
affected our wind.
Jim"
    @waynebatrecdotboats: "<quote>
That's very possible.  It might also be possible that you were reefed
too much for the conditions and lacked sufficient power in the sails
to keep the boat moving through the waves."
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